May Lake High Sierra Camp
Campground · Yosemite corridor
May Lake High Sierra Camp sits at 9,373 feet in Yosemite's Sierra Nevada corridor, offering a sheltered alpine lake camp colder and calmer than the open peaks surrounding it.
Wind funnels off the lake by mid-afternoon, typically averaging 8 mph but gusting to 25 mph in exposed draws. Morning conditions are substantially calmer and clearer. Afternoon thermals drive the windiest hours between 2 and 5 p.m. Head here on calm mornings to avoid the afternoon acceleration.
The 30-day average wind of 8 mph and temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit reflect spring transition conditions at this elevation. The next week shows minimal trend change; expect morning stillness followed by afternoon strengthening. Watch the rolling scores for dips below 12, which signal a rare calm full day suitable for exposed activity.
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About May Lake High Sierra Camp
May Lake High Sierra Camp lies in the Yosemite corridor at 9,373 feet, positioned on the north shoulder of May Lake in the High Sierra backcountry. Access routes funnel through Highway 120, the primary trans-Sierra corridor east of Yosemite Valley. The camp sits roughly 6 highway miles from the Highway 120 junction and is reached via a secondary trailhead approach from the May Lake parking area. The location occupies the intersection of high-Sierra granite terrain and subalpine forest, with commanding views of surrounding peaks and the lake basin below. Its isolation from Valley-floor traffic and lower elevation neighbours means weather here is distinct; conditions develop independently of conditions in Yosemite Valley, 50 miles to the south.
Spring through early summer (late April through June) brings the camp's most volatile weather. The 30-day average temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the persistence of snow patches and cold nights at this elevation. Daytime highs rarely exceed 40 degrees in this window; overnight lows drop into the teens regularly. The 30-day rolling average wind of 8 mph masks daily swings: calm mornings often yield to afternoon gusts of 20 to 25 mph. By mid-summer, temperature climbs toward 47 degrees, the 365-day maximum, and afternoon wind becomes the defining feature rather than surprise. Crowding remains low through most seasons, with the 30-day average of 12 relative units reflecting the camp's low base popularity and remote access. Late September and early October bring the year's most stable window: cooler, lower wind, and minimal crowds.
This camp suits hikers and backpackers accustomed to alpine exposure and cold night travel. Early-season visitors must carry insulation rated to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and be prepared for afternoon wind on open sections. Water sources are lake-fed and require treatment; snow patches may linger well into June depending on the year. Parking at the May Lake trailhead fills on weekends even when the camp itself sees few visitors, so plan for an early start or consider a weekday approach. The subalpine forest canopy is sparse, offering minimal shelter during afternoon wind events. Experienced Sierra travellers time lake-crossing activity for early morning and anchor shelter planning around the wind clock.
Alternatives within the Yosemite corridor include Tenaya Lake (lower elevation, windier but more sheltered shoreline) and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (higher elevation, colder, similar wind regime). Cathedral Lakes and Clouds Rest offer similar alpine access with different drainage and exposure profiles. May Lake's isolation and moderate elevation make it a stepping stone between Valley-elevation camps and the true alpine chain to the east. Winter and spring conditions are sustained, with 365-day minimums reaching 6 degrees Fahrenheit; this camp is unsuitable for winter access.